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Maybe he saw a bit of himself in the young defender – and that’s why he’s so pleased to see him develop in Graeme Murty’s side.

Weir said: “David played against us for Raith in the Championship and did well.

“He was at right full-back and up against Barrie McKay. Barrie was on form at the time but Batesy did a good job on him.

“We noticed that and watched him a few times.

“He wasn’t playing a lot but I felt he had good attributes and potential to be a centre-back.”

Gers effectively got Bates for nothing in a deal that saw him head to Ibrox initially on loan with midfielder Jordan Thompson heading in the other direction.

And Weir said: “Trying to get players in was difficult, especially with Scottish clubs because they thought we had loads of money –which wasn’t the case then.

“A deal made sense because it was low cost and short term. Bates wasn’t ready for the first-team but we felt, given time, he could be good for us. Like every transfer, it was a gamble but it has paid off.

David Weir spotted Bates (Image: SNS Group/SRU)

“I started as a right-back at Falkirk and for a centre-half it’s a good thing to do.

“When you’re younger, you’re more athletic, full of energy and can get forward.

“I don’t like to say I saw a bit of myself in David but I could relate to him and liked the fact he was playing there.

“You knew by his size that he could be a centre-back. His attitude is terrific too.

“He’s grateful to be at Rangers and has grasped his chance.

“When he signed, he was driving in every day from Kirkcaldy on his own. He was on a very low contract, in the kids’ dressing-room but was so humble about it.

“Eventually we moved him up and I’m delighted he’s doing well.”

Weir wasn’t the most naturally gifted footballer or renowned for playing out from the back.

David Bates was excellent against Celtic (Image: SNS Group)

But he enjoyed a successful career at a high level because he mastered the basics of defending.

He feels Bates has similar qualities and said: “David is probably different to any other defender Rangers have.

“He’s old school – he likes to win headers, clear his lines, win tackles. His game is very straight forward.

“He looks after his other centre-back and is always in a good covering position. He’s a team player who isn’t flashy. He won’t stand out or be the type of guy who tries to kill you with a pass.

“David just keeps it simple.

“I grew up with coaches like Jim Jefferies and Walter Smith.

“Centre-backs were expected just to head the ball and kick it. David has more than that but he does the basics so well.

“He’s playing for a club the size of Rangers at a young age so he’s well ahead of me in terms of where his career is right now.

David Bates closes down Leigh Griffiths (Image: SNS)

“He’s in a great position and I’m happy for him.”

Bates’ contract at Ibrox expires this summer and the club are attempting to tie him up on a long-term deal.

The likes of Sunderland have already been linked with a move for him but Weir says he should stay put.

He said: “Rangers are the best place for him at this stage in his career.

“He’s young, he’s getting better, he’s a Rangers fan.

“He’s done the hard bit by already making a mark.

“For both parties, it makes sense to get him tied up on a long-contract.”